Do Vacuum Storage Bags Reduce Weight or Make it Heavier?

Every pound matters when you travel these days. Finding ways to pack lighter can be tricky, but one thing many people turn to is vacuum storage bags. As you use them, you can watch the bag shrink smaller and smaller as the air is sucked out.

Since the bag compresses so much, you might wonder if they actually help you meet airline limits.

The answer is no.

A vacuum storage bag won’t cut down the load—in fact, they can make it heavier.

Why They Add To Your Luggage

Just because a bag looks smaller doesn’t mean it weighs less. Removing air does very little, while the bag itself adds extra bulk. The small amount of air you take out doesn’t balance out the added material.

So while they make packing neat, they don’t actually lighten what you carry. If your main concern is the scale, skipping them may be smarter. Still, before tossing the idea completely, let’s look at the upsides.

The Perks

Even though they add a bit, vacuum bags let you fit more inside your suitcase without forcing things in.

They also keep out moisture, sand, and bugs—handy if you’re at the beach or traveling somewhere dusty.

And finally, they help with organization, letting you separate clothes into neat sections, like keeping shirts in one and pants in another.

How To Reduce Luggage Weight

If you need to lessen the weight of your luggage, there are some simple tips we have below.

The easiest way to reduce weight when traveling is to get lightweight luggage like this one here (Amazon Link Ad). The modern-day luggage is lighter than the older style luggage, and that can really help you the most. If your luggage is over five years old, I will look at getting some new lightweight luggage.

It’s smart to get a luggage scale like this one here (Amazon Link Ad), so you know exactly how much your luggage weighs before getting to the airport.

• Wear coats and other heavy objects on the plane.
• Avoid bringing Shampoo and other bottle items, and instead buy them when you get where you’re going.
• Ship items if you’re traveling in the US.
• Bring synthetic fiber clothing instead of wool, as synthetic fibers can be lighter.
• Only carry the essentials. Weigh each item beforehand to see if you can swap it out with something else you have that is lighter.
• Remove any stains on your luggage. Any stain, debris, or pen from your last travel could be weighing you down.
• Going with other people? See if you can store stuff in their luggage.
• Keep books at home and using your phone as an e-reader.
• You don’t need that many pairs of underwear. You can quickly clean underwear in the sink if you need to and dry it with the hotel hairdryer.
• Don’t bring clothing with metal accessories, or even plastic ones. These things weigh you down and can even break when traveling.